1) Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
In North America, pearl oysters are the most prevalent type of oyster mushroom.
Pearl oyster mushrooms are milder and more tender than shiitake mushrooms, and they have a subtly sweet and woodsy flavour.
2) Blue Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus)
Blue oysters don’t have the brilliant blue coloration one may expect, in contrast to their more colourful counterparts (golden and pink). The tiny blue undertone in their grey coloration is subtle.
The contrast between their dark crowns and pale gills is very appealing.
Blue oysters are indistinguishable from pearl oysters in every way save appearance when it comes to the flavour.
3) Golden Oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)
Golden oysters, unsurprisingly, shine with a sunny yellow hue. Compared to regular pearl oysters, their flavor is more nuanced and fragrant.
4) Pink Oyster (Pleurotus salmoneo stramineus)
Oysters that are known as “pink” are characterized by their vivid pink hue and ruffled look. The vivid hue, alas, is lost when cooking. These oysters are typically more woody, rough, and smelly than others.
5) Phoenix Oyster (Pleurotus pulmonarius)
The phoenix oyster resembles the pearl oyster in almost every way except that its cap is typically smaller and whiter in colour, and it frequently develops a longer stem. In addition, it thrives in warmer climates and advances most rapidly in the latter half of summer.
There isn’t much of a difference in flavour between the two.
6) King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii)
Of all oyster mushrooms, the king oyster is the largest, and it looks extremely different from other pleurotus mushrooms. They have white, fleshy stems that develop independently from one another, and tan, cap-like structures.
Its native range includes much of what is now Europe, Western Asia, the Mediterranean, and Northern Africa.
Learning to Recognize Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms aren’t the only ones that look similar to those to a beginner; before eating any mushrooms, you should take all necessary procedures to ensure that you’ve positively identified them. Do not consume unless you can say with absolute certainty that it is safe to do so.
If you want to know if anyone you know has any mushroom-hunting experience, you should consult an expert.
1. The Helmet
Oyster-shaped caps are the telltale sign of this type of mushroom.
It needs to be fan- or oyster-shaped. Common oyster mushrooms range in size from 5 centimetres to 25 centimetres (2 to 10 inches across.) They need to be completely scale- and wart-free.
Oyster mushrooms have firm, white meat, and a thin, brownish cap.
The clusters of oyster mushrooms typically create a shelf-like structure with overlap.
2. Gills
The gills of oyster mushrooms are decurrent. This indicates that they are joined to the stem and extend for a good distance along it. The gills of most oyster mushrooms are white.
3. Stem
Oyster mushrooms typically lack a stem. In the case that they have a stem at all, it is likely to be very short, crooked, and off-center.
There is a possibility that oyster mushrooms growing vertically on top of a log will have a stronger stem than those growing laterally.
No bag or ring can be found at the stem’s base.
Also Read: Oyster Mushroom Medicinal Properties
4. A Print Made From Spores
Look for spore prints against a dark background when evaluating oyster mushrooms. White or a very light grey should be the colour of the spore print.
There is hope if they are sprouting from dead wood or ill trees. Be wary of what appear to be oyster mushrooms growing on otherwise healthy trees.
Deciduous hardwood trees, such as aspen and beech, are ideal hosts for oyster mushrooms. However, they are also known to flourish on coniferous trees.
6. Smell
Oyster mushrooms have an aroma that some people compare to black licorice or anise.
Also Read: Is The Oyster Mushroom Edible